Find magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion, given electric field.

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of finding the magnitude of acceleration for a single charged Ca+1 ion as it penetrates through a cell wall. The electric field strength across the cell membrane is given as 107 N/C and the mass of one atomic mass unit is provided as 1.66 x 10-27 kg. The formula F = ma is used to calculate the force on the ion, with the charge and electric field strength being multiplied together. The resulting force is then used to find the magnitude of acceleration, with the correct answer being 9.64 * 1014 m/s. The conversation also touches on the concept of atomic mass and how it is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in
  • #1
monnapomona
39
0

Homework Statement



The electric field strength across a typical cell membrane is about 107 N/C. Given this information, find the magnitude of the acceleration of a single charged Ca+1 ion as it penetrated throught the cell wall. Ignore any resistive forces.
One atomic mass unit is 1.66 x 10-27 kg.

Homework Equations


F = ma
F=q0E

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking of multiplying the charge with how many protons a Ca ion has so:

F=q0E
= (20[itex]\bullet[/itex]1.6*10-19C)(107 N/C)
= 3.2*10-11 N

Then I manipulated for acceleration in F=ma and got 1.93*1016 m/s?

Is this the correct method for finding the magnitude of acceleration?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Ca1+ means that the charge on the ion is only unbalanced by ONE proton charge. I.e. the atom has lost one electron, leaving it with a net positive charge due to ONE extra proton whose charge is unbalanced.
 
  • #3
cepheid said:
Ca1+ means that the charge on the ion is only unbalanced by ONE proton charge. I.e. the atom has lost one electron, leaving it with a net positive charge due to ONE extra proton whose charge is unbalanced.

So would it be correct if I just use q=+1.6*10-19 C in the formula to find force?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
monnapomona said:
So would it be correct if I just use q=+1.6*10-19 C in the formula to find force?

Yes.
 
  • #5
cepheid said:
Yes.

Okay so I used q=+1.6*10-19 C in the formula and got F = 1.6*10-12 N. To find the magnitude of acceleration, I manipulated for a in F = ma and got 9.64 * 1014 m/s as the answer but I inputted it in my online homework assignment and apparently it's wrong.

Should I use a different formula to find acceleration?

Edit: I used 1.66*10-27 kg as the mass.
 
  • #6
monnapomona said:
I used 1.66*10-27 kg as the mass.
That's one atomic mass unit. How many of those per calcium atom?
 
  • #7
haruspex said:
That's one atomic mass unit. How many of those per calcium atom?

To get atomic mass, do I need to add protons and neutrons in Calcium together? So 40?
 
  • #8
monnapomona said:
To get atomic mass, do I need to add protons and neutrons in Calcium together? So 40?

Sounds about right to me.
 
  • #9
cepheid said:
Sounds about right to me.

Sweet, I got the answer right! (2.41*1013 m/s) Thanks for all your help everyone! :D
 

FAQ: Find magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion, given electric field.

1. How is the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion calculated?

The magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion can be calculated using the formula a = qE/m, where q is the charge of the ion, E is the electric field strength, and m is the mass of the ion.

2. What is the unit of measurement for the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion?

The unit of measurement for the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion is meters per second squared (m/s²) or, equivalently, newtons per kilogram (N/kg).

3. How does the electric field affect the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion?

The electric field strength directly affects the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion. As the electric field increases, the acceleration of the ion also increases. This is because the electric field exerts a force on the ion, causing it to accelerate.

4. Can the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion can be negative. This would occur if the direction of the electric field was opposite to the direction of the ion's motion. In this case, the ion would experience deceleration or slowing down.

5. What other factors can affect the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion?

In addition to the electric field strength, the magnitude of acceleration on a Ca ion can also be affected by the charge and mass of the ion. A higher charge or lower mass would result in a greater acceleration. External forces, such as friction or other fields, can also impact the acceleration of the ion.

Similar threads

Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
Replies
8
Views
764
Find the magnitude of the electric field at point P
Replies
5
Views
1K
Find the direction and magnitude of an electric field
Replies
7
Views
2K
Electric Field Force Exerted Vertically
Replies
9
Views
7K
Magnitude of the work done by electric field.
Replies
2
Views
4K
Calculating the magnitude of the total electric field at P
Replies
3
Views
3K
Electric field generated by ions in a box
Replies
12
Views
2K
Magnitude of the electric field across cell membranes
Replies
8
Views
8K
Finding the magnitude of electric field
Replies
4
Views
4K
Find the electric field between 2 finite discs
Replies
16
Views
421

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top